What is Longitude? Definition, Meaning & Example
The angular distance of a location east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees.
TL;DR: The angular distance of a location east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees.
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Longitude: The angular distance of a location east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees.
Explanation
Longitude lines run north to south, with the Prime Meridian at 0 degrees (passing through Greenwich in England), 180 degrees east, and 180 degrees west being the same meridian. India extends from about 68 to 97 degrees east longitude. Lines of longitude help determine time zones; each 15 degrees of longitude represents one hour of time difference. Combined with latitude, longitude provides precise geographic coordinates for any location. Indian Standard Time is based on 82.5 degrees east longitude, ensuring the same time across India. Understanding longitude is essential for navigation, mapping, and understanding global time differences.
Example
India extends from 68 degrees east to 97 degrees east longitude. The Prime Meridian at 0 degrees runs through Greenwich in England.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prime Meridian?
The Prime Meridian is the line of longitude at 0 degrees, passing through Greenwich, England. It is the reference line for measuring all other longitudes.
How do latitude and longitude locate places?
A place's exact location is given by its latitude (north-south position) and longitude (east-west position), creating a coordinate system.
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